Kremlin Remains Silent on Kim’s Potential Visit for WWII Victory Commemoration

Despite an open invitation from President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has yet to confirm his attendance at the upcoming May ceremony commemorating Russia’s victory in World War II. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when questioned by TASS News, the schedule is still under discussion through diplomatic channels. “Kim Jong-un has an effective invitation to visit Russia. the schedule will be agreed through diplomatic channels. Until now, he is not ready to announce any statement.”

Putin extended the invitation during his visit to North Korea last June,signaling a strengthening of ties between the two nations. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that Kim’s potential visit was a key topic during discussions wiht North Korean Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, who visited North Korea earlier this month.

High-Level Meetings Fuel Speculation of a North Korean Summit

Adding to the speculation, Putin’s aide, sergei Shoigu, met with Kim in North Korea on the 21st, conveying a personal message from the Russian President. this meeting has reignited discussions about a potential summit between the two leaders, further emphasizing the importance Russia places on its relationship with North Korea.

Russia Prepares for Grand 80th Anniversary Celebration

Russia is gearing up for a large-scale celebration of the 80th anniversary of its world War II victory, with invitations extended to leaders of friendly nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. There are also expectations that the North Korean military will participate in the commemorative parade, showcasing solidarity among these nations.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has emphasized Russia’s focus on building relationships with a broad spectrum of countries, highlighting the nation’s diplomatic efforts on the global stage.

Black Sea Grain Agreement and US-Russia Dialog

In other diplomatic developments, Peskov mentioned that discussions regarding the Black Sea grain agreement are slated for working-level talks between Russia and the United States in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.This follows a phone conversation between Putin and former US President donald Trump on the 18th,where the Black Sea issue was reportedly discussed.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, initially signed in July 2022, aimed to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea despite the ongoing conflict. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement in July 2023, citing concerns over the unimpeded export of Russian food and fertilizers.

russia and the United States share a common understanding of moving towards peace.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman

Despite these discussions, tensions remain, with Russia alleging continued Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Peskov declined to provide further details on this matter.

A Symbolic Gesture: Putin’s Gift to Trump

In a somewhat unusual diplomatic gesture, Peskov revealed that President Putin had presented a portrait to former President Trump through US special envoy Steve Witkoff, though he offered no further elaboration on the significance of this gift.